An all-new 890cc V2 engine and monocoque chassis headline changes to the the revised adventurer, due to hit Australian showrooms mid-2026
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 25 February 2026 – Ducati has unveiled the second generation of its DesertX at its Ducati World Première 2026 presentation (video link), updating the model that marked the company’s move into more hard-edged off-road riding with a 21-inch front wheel. First shown as a concept at EICMA 2019 and launched in production form in 2021, the DesertX has built a following among maxi-enduro and adventure-touring riders for its off-road focus.
According to Ducati, the new DesertX reflects feedback gathered over several years of development and competition on demanding terrain, including events such as Erzbergrodeo, the Rally of Albania, Transanatolia and the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. The stated goal was to further improve off-road performance while retaining the road manners the brand is known for.
The company says the bike has been redesigned from the ground up, with revised styling, updated suspension, and a new fuel tank shaped to improve ergonomics and reduce weight. Central to the update is Ducati’s new V2 engine and a monocoque frame, changes Ducati says are intended to make the DesertX more modern and more capable both for newer riders and experienced off-road riders.
New V2 engine
Power comes from Ducati’s new 890 cc V2, which the company describes as its lightest four-valve-per-cylinder twin to date. It uses the brand’s IVT variable intake valve timing system to broaden power delivery.
Ducati quotes 110 hp and 92 Nm of torque, and says 70% of peak torque is available at 3,000 rpm. Gear ratios have been tailored for mixed use, with shorter lower gears for technical riding and a taller sixth intended to improve comfort and consumption on faster road sections. Service intervals are listed at 45,000 km for valve clearance checks and 15,000 km or two years for oil changes.
Monocoque frame and revised suspension
The DesertX’s monocoque frame uses the engine as a stressed member and also functions as an airbox, a packaging approach Ducati says boosts compactness and rigidity. The airbox position has also been changed to improve access to the air filter for cleaning after off-road use.
A trellis rear subframe remains, and Ducati says it was designed to ease access to engine components. The aluminium swingarm is a DesertX-specific unit.
Brakes are from Brembo, with M4.32 monobloc calipers and new 305 mm discs. Ducati says the system is intended to improve modulation and lever feel off-road while maintaining road performance. The company also notes the setup allows riders to fit a high front mudguard without additional kits.
Suspension changes include a rear system with Full-floater progressive linkages, which Ducati says improves comfort and off-road behaviour by offering a softer initial response with more support deeper in the stroke. Up front, a new Kayaba fork adds independent hydraulic adjustments on each leg for finer tuning.
Wheels remain 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked items, fitted as standard with Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street tyres (90/90 front and 150/70 rear). Ducati notes the DesertX is triple-homologated for alternative Pirelli Scorpion options.
Ergonomics and equipment
Ducati has revised the rider “triangle” by moving the footpegs rearward and the seat and handlebars forward, aimed at improving control standing off-road and shifting rider position for sportier road riding.
A new 18-litre polymer fuel tank is slimmer and lighter, and Ducati says it places fuel volume lower to reduce the centre of gravity. The tank includes protective crash pads intended to withstand typical low-speed off-road drops. Body panels have been shaped for grip when standing, and the front mudguard sits higher to increase tyre clearance in mud.
A horizontal dashboard layout with a standard utility bar is intended to free space for navigation equipment and improve forward visibility when riding standing. Seat height is 880 mm, with an option to reduce it to 840 mm via a lowered seat and suspension kit.
Electronics package and riding modes
The latest-generation electronics suite is built around a 6-axis inertial measurement unit and includes Cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and engine brake control, all adjustable across multiple intervention levels.
There are six riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, and two off-road modes (Enduro and Rally). Information is shown on a new 5-inch TFT (800 x 480) with two USB ports and three display layouts: Road, Road Pro and Rally. The Rally view adds tripmaster-style functions for navigation use.
Cornering ABS has four levels. Ducati says levels 1 and 2 are designed for off-road use, with level 2 aimed at helping less experienced riders learn typical dirt manoeuvres; levels 3 and 4 are road-focused. ABS can be disabled in Enduro and Rally modes. The bike also gets Ducati Quick Shift 2.0, which Ducati says is less exposed to impacts, mud and dust due to the absence of external sensors.
Styling and accessories
The updated DesertX keeps a “form follows function” approach, with Ducati noting the front end sits 20 mm lower for a more compact look. The tail section is minimalist and designed to accept accessories including an auxiliary tank, passenger grab rail and luggage frames.
Ducati is also offering a DesertX-specific Ducati Performance accessory range, including an 8-litre rear auxiliary tank, radiator guards, a bull bar, a larger screen, reinforced hand guards, aluminium panniers with frames, and a soft-bag kit developed with Mosko Moto. Tech accessories include the Ducati Multimedia System and turn-by-turn navigation, while an approved Termignoni silencer is also listed. The only available colour colour is Matt Star White Silk.
Availability and price
The new DesertX is due in Australian dealerships in June, priced at $28,100 rideaway.
Specifications
ENGINE
Type: 90° Ducati V2, liquid-cooled, 4 valves per cylinder, IVT (variable intake valve timing)
Capacity: 890cc
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 61.5mm
Compression: 13.1:1
Max power: 81.1kW (110.3hp) @ 9000rpm
Max torque: 92Nm @ 7000rpm
Fuel system: EFI, 52mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire
Exhaust: Stainless muffler, single catalytic converter, lambda probes
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox: 6-speed, Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0
Primary drive: Straight-cut gears, 1.84:1
Gear ratios: 1st 13/38; 2nd 17/35; 3rd 20/32; 4th 22/29; 5th 24/27; 6th 26/25
Final drive: 520 chain; 15T front / 46T rear
Clutch: Hydraulically controlled slipper & self-servo wet multiplate
CHASSIS
Frame: Aluminium monocoque
Front suspension: KYB 46mm USD fork, fully adjustable
Rear suspension: KYB shock, fully adjustable, remote preload adjustment, full-floater progressive link
Wheel travel (F/R): 230mm / 220mm
WHEELS
Front wheel: Cross-spoked, tubeless, 2.15 x 21in
Front tyre: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90-21 M/C 54V M+S TL (A)
Rear wheel: Cross-spoked, tubeless, 4.5 x 18in
Rear tyre: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 150/70 R18 M/C 70V M+S TL
Wheel travel (F/R): 230mm / 220mm
BRAKES
Front: Dual 305mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers, radial master cylinder, Cornering ABS
Rear: 265mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, Cornering ABS
ELECTRONICS
Dash: 5.0in TFT colour display, 800 x 480 resolution
Rider aids: Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Brake Light (DBL) EVO
DIMENSIONS
Wet weight (no fuel): 209kg
Seat height: 880mm (std); 900mm (high seat); 860mm (low seat); 840mm (low seat + low suspension kit)
Wheelbase: 1615mm
Rake / trail: 27° / 114mm
Fuel tank: 18 litres
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Included: Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0, lithium-ion battery, quick adjustment buttons, Coming Home function, cruise control, TFT colour display, full-LED lighting, Daytime Running Light (DRL), dynamic turn indicators (where homologated), self-cancelling turn indicators, two USB ports
READY FOR (ACCESSORIES)
Compatible with: Anti-theft, additional LED lights, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), heated grips, turn-by-turn navigation
SERVICING / WARRANTY
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited km
Annual service: 12 months
Oil service: 15,000km / 24 months
Valve clearance check: 45,000km
